MERCURY-INDUCED LIPID-PEROXIDATION IN THE LIVER, KIDNEY, BRAIN AND GILLS OF A FRESH-WATER FISH, CHANNA-PUNCTATUS

Simultaneous lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress were examined in the liver, kidney, brain and gills of a fresh-water fish, Channa punct atus, after 30 days treatment with inorganic mercury. Although longer exposure caused greater oxidative stress, the degree/rate of injury va ried in different organs. Short exposures resulted in increased reduce d glutathione (GSH), but longer exposures reduced in all the tissues. The results suggested that the rate of lipid peroxidation did not stri ctly correspond to oxidative stress. Time dependent effects may repres ent an early biochemical response, although, the presence of some labi le GSH-dependent factors may provide a protective mechanism.